Page:The journal of the Royal Geographic Society of London. Volume 34, 1864. (IA s572id13663720).pdf/304

96 tinuation of fine weather and then only on horseback by men free from giddiness.

Amongst the different Alpine lakes of the province of Canterbury, Lake Pukaki is without doubt the most picturesque. It lies 1746 feet above the sea, is 10 miles long and 4 miles broad, and its formation is one of the most interesting objects which can be presented to the geologist and physical geographer. Nowhere, so far as my knowledge extends, are the proofs so convincing that it has, like similar lakes in other Alpine regions, been formed by the retreat of an enormous glacier. But it may truly he stated that the view from its shores towards its sources will rival in beauty and majesty any known views in the world.

In the centre, Mount Cook, resembling a large white tent, rises above the other ice-clad giants, of which Mount Stokes and Mount Sefton to the south, and Mount Haidinger to the north, are the most conspicuous. The bed of the river Tasman, nearly as wide as the lake itself, continues for 23 miles in a straight line to the base of Mount Cook; here dividing into two branches, of which the eastern one is the broadest and most important. In this main branch, 2 miles above the southern foot of Mount Cook, terminates the great Tasman glacier, the largest of all New Zealand glaciers. On both sides the ranges present us not only with roches moutonnées but also with terraces cut into the rock, sloping down at such an angle that their fall can be accurately measured (from 1 to 4°). 



the 20th of March, 1863, I represented to his Honour the Superintendent that I was desirous of extending the Geological Survey of this province into the West Coast district during the following winter, and suggested that a small sailing-vessel should be placed at my disposal for that purpose. My proposal was willingly acceded to, and a schooner-rigged yacht called the Matilda Hayes, of 20 tons register, was selected for the service. A light whale-boat was also built for the service at Port Chalmers, 21 feet in length, so that it could be taken on the deck of the schooner. 